§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with road haulage companies regarding the security of vehicles against illegal immigrants. [90324]
§ Beverley HughesThere was widespread consultation with the transport industry prior to the introduction, in April 2000, of the regime under which road hauliers and others may receive penalties for the carriage of clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom. That consultation included how road hauliers could secure their vehicles against unauthorised entry.
Since the regime was introduced, and during the recent passage through Parliament of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act, which brought in an amended regime from 8 December 2002, there has been frequent correspondence and meetings with the industry, both at ministerial and official level.
Responsibility for securing vehicles against unauthorised entry lies with transport operators. Those who take the measures described in the "Prevention of Clandestine Entry Code of Practice" will greatly reduce both the risk of carrying clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom and of receiving a penalty should they do so. Compliance with the Code is promoted strongly in all our dealings with the industry and this message was reinforced more recently in the awareness raising campaign that took place in the weeks leading to the implementation of the amended penalty regime.
657WDuring the course of administering the penalty provisions, officials often give advice on an individual basis to companies about the level of vehicle security expected, and about compliance with the Code of Practice. The Code is available on the Home Office Website as well as on request from the Civil Penalty Central Administration Unit by telephoning 020 8745 6006.